Waikato taniwharau. He piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha.
There's always something new to discover in the heart of Hamilton city. Let us be your guide as you rediscover the charm, culture, and character that make our city centre unique.
The Skin Spa believe in providing a personalised and exceptional spa experience for each of their valued clients.
Explore their online booking system to select the therapist and level that best suits your preferences and embark on a journey of relaxation and beauty tailored just for you.
A popular destination for riders on the Te Awa River Trail, and a nice stop on the way for visitors to the Hamilton Gardens. Next to the Waikato Museum and soon to be opened Waikato Regional Theatre. It’s a must visit if you are travelling through from out of town. The interior has the wow factor, with large windows from floor to ceiling, making the most of the panoramic view overlooking the Waikato River.
The cinema had three band new 35mm Kineton projectors which were the top of the line at the time to deliver the best image possible. The projectors were matched with a state-of-the-art sound and seating and a lovely foyer to match and opened with the film MICHAEL COLLINS starring Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn and Julia Roberts.
Despite its bar offering and up market decor the cinema struggled and was perhaps ‘before its time’. The cinema changed hands to the RIALTO group before being purchased and refurbished by its previous owner as THE LIDO CINEMA in Dec of 2009.
Apt Collections might not be a name familiar to many in Hamilton, but the tides are changing as the store opened its doors for the first time in Hamilton in February. Apt Collections is born from Longbeach Apparel, a New Zealand owned company that has been operating out of Christchurch for more than 45 years. You may be more familiar with the brands they stock; womenswear labels such as Foil, Newport, Preen, Memo, Design Nation, Neris, Seeking Lola, Billie the Label, and Leila & Luca.
At the helm of Apt Collections is Jane Coleman, the vivacious General Manager based in Christchurch, whose energy mirrors the vibrancy of the designs her brands bring to women across the globe. "We take pride in embracing bold colours and prints," says Jane. "Our goal is to make shopping a joyful experience for every woman."
Apt Collections is a 100% Kiwi-owned business, dedicated to helping women celebrate their individuality. Jane's key piece of fashion advice? "Don’t feel pressured to wear something just because it’s ‘on trend.’ There are so many options available today. Choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable, so you can look great and be your best self."
Selecting which styles to develop is a collaborative team effort. The majority of Apt's collections are designed in-house in Christchurch, where a talented design team manages everything from concept to completion. "Our team oversees every step of the process, from design and product development to manufacturing, marketing, sales, and delivery, "Jane explains. "We put a tremendous amount of research into fabric selection and fit to ensure quality across all our brands, resulting in a collection with broad appeal."
With the arrival of the spring/summer collection, Jane is excited about the vibrant prints, bright colours, and sophisticated monotones. "Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and breathable viscose are key this season, which is perfect as the weather warms up."
Gone are the days when brows were considered an afterthought to your beauty regimen. Nowadays, folks will pay top dollar for an Instagram-worthy brow, and there’s only one place to go if you’re looking for just that in Hamilton: Lab Brows + Body.
Tucked away down Barton Street and cosied up beside Rocket Coffee Roasters, the brightly coloured and funky patterned exterior catches your eye with a welcoming and upbeat vibe.
The action never stops at Hamilton's only bowling alley. Located on Level 2 of SkyCity Hamilton, Bowl and Social features world-class technology and bowling lanes.
There’s also a great lineup of arcade games, air hockey and a pool table. Plus, you can order a drink and a meal from the lanes or enjoy the incredible view of the Waikato River from the deck. This indoor activity is great for family and friend groups, and perfect for the school holidays.
They're not only known for their great bowling atmosphere, but also our delicious food and drinks! From pizzas, hot dogs, nachos and sides, you’ll find something tasty to fuel you while you bowl. And you can order from the comfort of your lane using your kiosk.
They've also got packages for individuals and groups that give you great bang for your buck.
Check out some of the top spots to grab delicious noodles!
Garden Place Noodle Bar
Location: 21 Worley Place, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Hand-pulled Lamzhau beef noodles & Belt noodles with chilli sauce
Sichuan Style Restaurant
Location: 24 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Signature dish: Noodle soup with beef brisket
Saigon Noon
Location: 103 Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Noodle Soup - Pho
Whether you are looking for a place to unwind after work or a spot to enjoy a long lunch with friends, The Mercury Room offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Known for their long lunch where you can enjoy a delicious platter of food for two hours, with options for a bottomless experience. They offer three different time slots: 2-4pm, 5-7pm, and 8-10pm or join one of their quiz nights and test your wits while enjoying great food and drinks.
Garden Place Noodle Bar not only has noodles in its name, but it also makes them by hand, from scratch, and thumps them into shape right in front of your eyes.
.HELLO ROSIE - 9A Casabella Lane
The food caravan with a cult following in the BOP grew up and turned into a bricks and mortar eatery in Casabella Lane. Hello Rosie will defy what you think vegan food is and should be, with a cabinet of the most tempting sweet treats and a menu packed with all-time favourites like their macn cheese bites or the Rosie burger, a vegan twist on a Big Mac.
THE VEGAN BUFFET - 645 Victoria St
This vegan institution in Hamilton, which was once on Ward Street, recently moved to Victoria Street. While still 100% vegan it is no longer a buffet, but perhaps changing location and the name would be too much for this secret local eatery. Fresh, healthy and delicious dishes at a reasonable price along with the friendly service are what have kept The Vegan Buffet a cult favourite.
BEEJI DHABA - 587 Victoria St
Serving authentic North Indian dishes made from fresh ingredients, Beji Dhaba’s extensive menu is 100% vegetarian, with many being vegan. Dhabas in India are
traditional roadside stalls or restaurants serving heartyfare for travellers and truck drivers, so the menu has a big focus on famous North Indian street food.
ANN FERN - 9 Knox St
This small espresso shop in the foyer of South Bloc offices has an array of toasties, soup, and sweet treats (all with vegan options).
BÁNH MÌ CÀPHÊ - Riverbank Lane, 298 Victoria St
This trendy Vietnamese joint that spills out onto Victoria on the River offers a complete vegan menu. You’ll find rice paper and spring rolls along with their famous Bánh Mi
in two flavours, not to mention salad, noodles, curry and pudding.
BAMBOO SWEETS - Casabella Lane
One of the new kids on the block (or down the lane), but well worth seeking out for their boutique handmade chocolates.
THEOBROMA CHOCOLATE LOUNGE - Bryce Street entrance, Centre Place
From hot chocolates to handmade chocolates, every sweet tooth is satisfied.
GONG CHA - 11 Worley Place
Forget bubble tea, you need to try bubble waffles! Direct from Hong Kong, a rich warm waffle is wrapped around ice-cream and decadent toppings.
LA PROMESSE BAKE HOUSE - 5 Ward Street
For the best sweet pastries in town.
CREAM - 14 Garden Place
For truly tempting treats, from doughnuts and cinnamon rolls to decadent slices.
KOPI, RIVERBANK LANE - 298 Victoria Street
Not just great coffee, apparently the brownie is the best in town.
LE RENDEZ-VOUS - 113 Alexandra Street
Didn't make it to the Paris Olympics? No problem, Le Rendez-Vous have a crépe-load of tempting French treats.
DOT & WINNIES - 127 Alexandra Street
Yoyo, listen up, Dot and Winnies make the best melting moments in town.
SNOWTOWN - 104 Alexandra Street
Dessert like you have never tasted it. But why wait until dessert time. They're open from noon Tuesday to Sunday.
MARKYLES CAFÉ - Hood Street
For the best custard squares around.
RAZZLE DAZZLE CAKES - 148 Ward Street
Sometimes the answer is cupcakes.
As Hamilton’s first mini putt bar, it offers a unique twist on traditional golfing, inviting guests to enjoy themed courses while sipping on creative cocktails and local craft beers.
Tipsy Putt features nine movie-themed holes, each designed to immerse players in a playful and engaging environment. From a “Jurassic Park” obstacle with a mini T-Rex to a “Wizard of Oz” section bursting with colour, the imaginative designs enhance the golfing experience. With plans to add another nine holes, the excitement is set to grow even more.
There are ample food and beverage options available at "The Club House" bar, including burgers, pizzas, and loaded snacks. The drinks menu is equally enticing, featuring specialty cocktails, five tap beers, wines, RTD's and non-alcoholic choices, catering to all preferences.
The store is manager Sharyn Cawood’s fifth op shop after creating four stores in the past for Hospice Waikato. The Op Shop for Breast Cancer has been running since Covid.
Clinical researcher Jenni Scarlet, (“who we’re doing all of this for,” says Cawood), called Cawood during Covid, and said a new charity store would be helpful for funding clinical trials.
Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult film and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan. The Toxic Avenger is a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all: an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor (Courteney Mayall) and two guys who play… well, everyone else … bullies, mobsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers.
Enter Melvin Ferd the Third (Alex Pelham Waerea), an aspiring earth scientist. Who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, (Bailey Lindsey and Marangai Wainohu-Savage)
The French Film Festival Aotearoa is returning to Lido Cinema screens on May 28th With a gala screening of the wonderful, Monsieur Aznavour, followed by 3 weeks of the very best films that France has to offer.
Basketball fans won’t want to miss the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, an electrifying basketball series featuring Australia’s Boomers vs. New Zealand’s Tall Blacks and the 2degrees Tall Ferns vs. the Opals. This high-energy event rekindles one of the fiercest rivalries in international sports, as Australia and New Zealand battle it out across three exciting games.
This is a unique opportunity to see both countries’ national basketball teams in action on their home turf. It’s the first time the Boomers have played the Tall Blacks in Australia since 2021, and nearly ten years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.
The Opals and 2degrees Tall Ferns will face off after an intense 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup bronze medal match, where Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand. This will be the Tall Ferns’ first home game in over five years and the first time the Opals have played in New Zealand since 2015.
Don't miss out on this chance to witness some of the world’s best basketball teams compete live. Get your tickets now for this historic series!
Corporate Hospitality: Interested in an exclusive experience? For corporate hospitality options, email spoiltforchoice@h3group.co.nz
Peppa Pig is back touring New Zealand for the first time since 2018 in her oink tastic stage show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and is a perfect introduction to theatre.
Join Professor Penfold in his race against time to create a fantastical solution to the city’s rubbish problem!
With an impatient mayor breathing down his neck, an enthusiastic but clumsy nephew causing havoc in the lab, what more could possibly go wrong for the professor?
The Perfectly Peculiar Practice of Professor Penfold is a wonderfully wacky, and joyful experience for people of all ages – kids and parents alike!
Written by Scott Granville and Courteney Mayall
1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5thJuly)
A Hamilton-based festival for self-publishers of comics, poetry, collage, fan-art, photo essays and more.
Stall holder applications now open https://forms.gle/rsQMTGMFNKHmHoZq9
Renowned Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke has created a four course tasting menu to match four Whitehaven wines.Danny from Whitehaven will be joining us as our wine ‘tour guide’ for the evening, giving insights into the winery and the way that the chosen varietals match each course.
This event starts at 6pm and tickets are just $59 per person. To book, please email info@keystonebar.co.nz - make sure you get in early as there are limited spots available!
For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton. Let’s make FMG Stadium a fortress! Get your tickets now before they’re gone.
The battle ends here. The final Test of the Lipovitan-D Series against France is more than just a game—it’s a statement.
For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton, so don’t miss the chance to witness history.
Wear the black jersey. Bring the noise. Make FMG Stadium Waikato a fortress.
Tickets from just $40.
The streets and laneways of Hamilton will come alive this Autumn as a line-up of incredible venues each transform into an Urban Cellar Door and host a winemaker for you to visit on a self-guided wine trail!
How does it work you ask? Simply decide which venue you'd like to start from and you're off! Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to our incredible line-up of winemakers.
Guaranteed to sell out, the Urban Wine Walk promises a fun and unique self-guided wine tasting experience that you and your friends won't want to miss!
We invite you to join us for a night celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as we present the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others
All the hits that defined a generation, and have been passed on for many more – all in one night, live, on stage.
Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound.
You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this howling good time.
Join us, a real-life travelling band.
Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) is about to release his first Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, (out April 4th) and also announces an 11-date album tour of Aotearoa.Performing with his long-time band The Yarra Benders as well as some special appearances from some of the album’s collaborators, Marlon Williams will bring Te Whare Tīwekaweka to life across the main stages in our most illustrious theatre venues.
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